A secret walk along the path of customs officers, in Antibes on the French Riviera

We have good news for all those who love the Côte d'Azur, the city of Antibes is offering several touristic facets ! While its pedestrian streets are swarming with private mansions, Art Deco villas and charming small placettes, where boutiques and terraces start buzzing with the first rays of sun, the seashore, on its peninsula, is a world of its own, ideal to dream in blue during strolls that are both tonifying and cultural.

On the Customs Officers' path at Cap d'Antibes

Facing the Mediterranean sea, the landscapes, the panoramas and the vegetation of the Sentier des Douaniers, the former path used by customs officers, will surprise the most exacting visitors. So slip on your Prada sneakers in order to follow this sinuous promenade as closely as possible ! Occasionally narrow, it runs along the cliffs, winding around small coves and is sprinkled with remarkable plants, looking out on the elegant homesteads of Juan-les-Pins.

This natural site, preserving both martime and land biodiversity, is part of the Natura 2000 network. © DR

Only locals and a few privileged owners are aware of the secret Chemin des Contrebandiers (smugglers path). © Yves Seuret

Constituted of light-colored stones, the ramparts of old Antibes are also the object of fascinating guided visits. © DR

A setting for rare vegetal species

From the Pointe de la Garoupe to the Anse de l'Argent Faux, nature seems untouched, and your private guide will tell you the stories of the Barbe de Jupiter, Passerine Hirsute or Lavande de Mer, all protected species that form the landscape of this small corner of paradise, which you will want to constantly photograph. Before returning to purchase one of the lovely villas in the area…

The collections of the Picasso Museum overflow onto the terrace overlooking the sea. © DR

Only the city of Antibes can offer this stunning panorama mixing the beach and sun-capped mountains. © Claude Piot

Address book for Antibes on the French Riviera

• Plage Keller/ Le César, chemin de la Garoupe: with an upscale clientele, this restaurant is the best spot to enjoy, at lunch and in the evening, specialties from the sea. www.plagekeller.com
• Vezian : a real tourist attraction with a wide array of creations, the bakery of Jean-Paul Veziano received an order from the Principality of Monaco for the gala wedding dinner of Prince Albert II and Charlene Wittstock. www.lepain-jpv.com
• Galeries des Bains Douches : midtown, painters, sculptors and photographers show their works year-round in former reconverted military buildings.
• www.antibes-juanlespins.com/galerie-des-bains-douches
• Musée Picasso : if you like this great artist (or not), his works are on display in the venerable Grimaldi château overlooking the sea, with a breathtaking view on the yachts cruising in the bay. www.antibes-juanlespins.com/musee-picasso
• Le Figuier de Saint Esprit : on the ramparts, the restaurant of talented chef Christian Morisset is a haven of peace, enhanced by a splendid inner courtyard. On his slate : cannelloni of squid with clams, turbot baked in a potato crust with truffles and saddle of lamb from the Alpilles cooked in clay. www.restaurant-figuier-saint-esprit.com
• Le Cap d'Antibes Beach Hôtel. Featuring a starred restaurant, coached by chef Nicolas Rondelli, an outdoor pool, a private beach and a well-being space, this arty hotel, with a contemporary architecture,  harmoniously mingles with the Mediterranean vegetation. www.ca-beachhotel.com

Member of the Relais & Châteaux chain, the 5 star Beach Hôtel is located on the Plage des Pêcheurs or fisherman's beach. © DR